WESTPORT, Conn. — A 12-year-old Westport girl has been charged with distributing a nude photo of a classmate to fellow students.

The investigation began on May 12 when the incident was reported to Westport police after word circulated throughout Coleytown Middle School that a nude snapshot was taken during a video chat and distributed to others.

The girl is being referred to Juvenile Court in Norwalk on a charge of second-degree breach of peace, which involves the distribution of offensive and indecent material. Her name is not being released because of her age.

“In light of how sensitive this case is for all the families involved, I don’t feel it’s appropriate to comment at this time,” said Mark Sherman, an attorney for the girl.

The arrest comes amid growing worries among parents about teenagers snapping naked pictures of themselves on their cell phones and sending them to their boyfriends and girlfriends. Many of the pictures are falling into the wrong hands or being posted on the Internet, leading to criminal charges.

In Castle Rock, Colo., 18 middle school students sent around nude pictures of themselves last year.

Similar cases have been reported in New Jersey, New York, Alabama, Utah, Pennsylvania and Texas.